Since 2025, a unique initiative known as loCATor has been operating in Kazakhstan. This project involves volunteers equipping their outdoor cats with both a camera and a GPS tracker. As these cats roam, the camera captures images of every feline they encounter, while an AI system analyzes these images against a database of lost pets. In the event of a match, the cat's owner receives a notification via a Telegram bot, which includes the location of where their pet was last seen. Initially designed to allow everyday people to submit photos, the bot now receives assistance from "scout" cats that can access areas that may be difficult for humans to reach. The loCATor project was developed through a collaboration between creative agencies Ogency and JAM, in partnership with Whiskas. Whiskas plays an active role by constantly updating the database. When a new missing cat is reported, its image is displayed on digital billboards in the vicinity, as felines typically do not stray far from their homes, usually within a range of 500 to 800 meters. Additionally, images of lost cats are featured on packaging for cat food.
Informational material. 18+.